Kids need math skills to succeed in school, manage money as they get older, and, one day, get jobs. But for many kids, math doesn't come easily and feels scary. For those who have a learning difference such as dyscalculia or a developmental delay, understanding numbers, equations, and other math concepts can be very tough. We know that anywhere from 6 to 14 percent of kids through age 19 have some type of learning difference in math (Mayo Clinic, 2005). Here, you’ll find an overview of math challenges, along with suggestions for identifying and addressing kids' math-specific learning needs. We also provide tips for finding effective apps and a list of related resources.

Common challenges

Understanding what numbers mean and how math symbols relate to quantities/actions

Memorizing basic number facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Developing memory strategies kids can use on their own

Understanding words and language that describe math ideas

Remembering the steps of complex calculations

Handwriting and arranging numbers and math signs on the page

Common signs

Trying to complete complicated math problems by counting fingers, pencil marks, or small blocks or objects

Being able to use number ideas at home but having trouble with formal school math

Counting the same items or pictures differently when they try several times

Being unusually messy or disorganized with papers, books, and other things

Getting different answers every time they complete the same calculation

Ways to help

Help kids show and explain what a problem means by using objects, pencil marks, and the like.

Read problems to kids, or help them say problems out loud.

Ask kids to talk about how they're doing math work.

Give kids a pocket-size facts chart so they can learn to do more difficult operations while learning basic math facts.

Use physical materials to help kids make concrete connections to concepts such as place value, fractions, decimals, measurement, money, percentage, and even algebra.

What to look for in an app

Multiple ways to practice the same skills in different ways

Chances for kids to problem-solve rather than demonstrate math ideas

Options for adjusting levels of reinforcement and stimulation to meet kids' individual needs

Plenty of response time with chances to try again

Immediate feedback when kids are successful

Immediate and informative help to show what went wrong when kids make mistakes

Experts consulted

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Power Tip

The new skills that kids learn with tools like Montessori Numbers or Jake’s Never Land Pirate School can transfer to everyday activities. Help kids make these connections by creating opportunities to practice in the real world.

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Kids master first-grade-level Common Core math concepts in a fun way, earning origami fish as they go. Directions are in text, spoken aloud, or animated, and visuals include number lines, base-10 blocks, coins, graphs, tables, and a clock with movable hands.

Get it now on

Kids master second-grade-level Common Core math concepts in a fun way, earning origami fish as they go. Directions are in text, spoken aloud, or animated, and visuals include number lines, base-10 blocks, coins, graphs, tables, and a clock with movable hands.

Get it now on

Fun games help kids practice their pincer grasp, eye-hand coordination, touch-and-drag motion, and more. Kids with dyspraxia and other fine motor issues may benefit, as games are designed by level, which helps them complete one-step motor tasks.

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This exceptional math app can be great for young kids who may be dysgraphic or have fine motor difficulty. The hand and finger exercises, along with fun animation and music, can help kids with a wide range of abilities build math skills and improve fluency.

Get it now on

If kids aren't quite ready for numerals, they can start practicing recognizing quantity without numbers with this app. Understanding the concept of more and less is an important skill that helps with math down the road.

iPhone, iPad, Android

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Power Tip

The new skills that kids learn with tools like Montessori Numbers or Jake’s Never Land Pirate School can transfer to everyday activities. Help kids make these connections by creating opportunities to practice in the real world.

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